Margaret Island, Budapest
June 2nd 2008 18:20
Margaret Island lies in the Danube, between Budapest’s Arpad Bridge, which links it to Obuda and Pest in the south, and Margaret Bridge which provides its access to Buda and Pest in the north. Hidden among its 225 acres of rambling gardens, are playgrounds, sports venues, spas, pools, monuments, fountains, hotels, cafes and historic ruins.
Before the 13th century the island was a wilderness, given over to nature, and known as Rabbit Island. In the middle ages it became home to a number of monasteries and convents. The first of these was the Dominican Convent built in 1241 by Bela IV. In thanksgiving to God for delivering Hungary from the Mongol scourge, the grateful King sequestered his unfortunate daughter Margaret here. At least, in the end, presumably in recognition of the hapless girl’s great sacrifice, he named the island after her! The ruins of the convent, along with Margaret’s grave can still be seen today. Nearby is the Chapel of the mediaeval Premonstratensian Monastery with oldest bell in Hungary, cast in the 15th century. Near the rose gardens in the South of the island are the ruins of a Franciscan church.
By the mid 18th century, the Hapsburg royals had taken over the island and turned it into a magnificent private garden. Many of its beautiful walks and towering trees date back to this time
In the days of the Dual Monarchy, Margaret Island became a popular leisure playground. The elegant 57 metre, octagonal Art Nouveau water tower is part of the Austro Hungarian legacy. This was also the time when Budapest’s therapeutic springs began to enjoy great popularity, attracting visitors frome all over Europe. Subsequently, Margaret Island became a health resort and visitors flocked to its spas. They still do. At the northern tip of Margaret Island the majestic old Grand Hotel and its younger sister, the Hotel Thermal are both famed for their luxurious spas. ,
Today, the open-air theatre, just near the water tower, brings audiences to the island for ballets, opera and rock concerts. In the summer crowds pack the garden courtyard of the pavilion café, with its high trellis fences, or gather on the lawn to watch the fantastic animated musical fountain which leaps and dances to the strains of Strauss (of course!) or flock to the hugely popular (and huge) 17 acre Palatinus Baths.
Margaret Island is also home to Budapest’s Centenary monument, built in 1972 to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the creation of Budapest. It stands at the southern entrance just off the Margaret Bridge.
Peaceful, pretty and romantic, Margaret Island is a wonderful retreat from the noise and movement of the city streets. Lie under a tree, in a spa, or even on the banks of the Danube. Climb to the top of the water tower and look down into the tree tops. Wander in the ruins of Margaret’s old convent. Smell the roses. Lose yourself in it.
Margaret Island in the distance on the Danube.
Before the 13th century the island was a wilderness, given over to nature, and known as Rabbit Island. In the middle ages it became home to a number of monasteries and convents. The first of these was the Dominican Convent built in 1241 by Bela IV. In thanksgiving to God for delivering Hungary from the Mongol scourge, the grateful King sequestered his unfortunate daughter Margaret here. At least, in the end, presumably in recognition of the hapless girl’s great sacrifice, he named the island after her! The ruins of the convent, along with Margaret’s grave can still be seen today. Nearby is the Chapel of the mediaeval Premonstratensian Monastery with oldest bell in Hungary, cast in the 15th century. Near the rose gardens in the South of the island are the ruins of a Franciscan church.
By the mid 18th century, the Hapsburg royals had taken over the island and turned it into a magnificent private garden. Many of its beautiful walks and towering trees date back to this time
In the days of the Dual Monarchy, Margaret Island became a popular leisure playground. The elegant 57 metre, octagonal Art Nouveau water tower is part of the Austro Hungarian legacy. This was also the time when Budapest’s therapeutic springs began to enjoy great popularity, attracting visitors frome all over Europe. Subsequently, Margaret Island became a health resort and visitors flocked to its spas. They still do. At the northern tip of Margaret Island the majestic old Grand Hotel and its younger sister, the Hotel Thermal are both famed for their luxurious spas. ,
Today, the open-air theatre, just near the water tower, brings audiences to the island for ballets, opera and rock concerts. In the summer crowds pack the garden courtyard of the pavilion café, with its high trellis fences, or gather on the lawn to watch the fantastic animated musical fountain which leaps and dances to the strains of Strauss (of course!) or flock to the hugely popular (and huge) 17 acre Palatinus Baths.
Margaret Island is also home to Budapest’s Centenary monument, built in 1972 to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the creation of Budapest. It stands at the southern entrance just off the Margaret Bridge.
Peaceful, pretty and romantic, Margaret Island is a wonderful retreat from the noise and movement of the city streets. Lie under a tree, in a spa, or even on the banks of the Danube. Climb to the top of the water tower and look down into the tree tops. Wander in the ruins of Margaret’s old convent. Smell the roses. Lose yourself in it.
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